A Brighter Future at the Women of the World Festival

Two members of the High-Rise team headed to London earlier this month. Supporting our clients, Path Financial, but also to do a little learning of our own!

At High-Rise we’re all about shouting out our clients’ wonderful work and purposeful messages. So to go to the Women of the World (WoW) festival earlier this month, was a joy for us. A chance to listen, support our fabulous clients Path Financial and hear from some truly inspirational women helping to bring about the change they want to see in the world.

Founded in 2010 by Jude Kelly CBE, former Artistic Director at the Southbank Centre, WoW serves to highlight achievements, facing obstacles and inspiring the next generation of women. Originating in London, Women of the World now has events worldwide, as far-afield as Australia, Nepal and South Africa.

Helen and I headed down from Manchester to London’s Southbank Centre, greeted as we entered, by Path’s 12-foot UN Sustainable Development Goals tree. A focal point for their stand, it stimulated conversation on women gaining financial independence and aligning their money and values.

The Women of the World message couldn’t have been clearer, together, we are stronger. Discuss, challenge, champion and act as one then great things are accomplished.

We heard from Adwoa Aboah – model and activist – speaking on mental health and ideals of image and body positivity. Representatives from #SaveBrickLane and campaigners talked about affecting change, listening and acting equally brings out the best in people. Path Financial’s very own Casey Goodwin was part of a panel discussing the pay-gap, workplace equality and controlling your own money (and destiny).

So what’s the takeaway?

I don’t identify as female but that didn’t matter. I was very welcome and I learned more than I could have hoped. The festival was an eye-opening experience – and also fun. Women of the World is a beacon of idealism, practical solution and inspiration.

As someone who tries to be well-informed, attending this event made me understand a little better just how much we have left to talk about and act on to ensure we are doing everything we can to combat gender inequality and supporting and celebrating women in the same way we do men.